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The work La Pirata Mari y la isla de Makarava, by the professor of the Faculty of Education of the University of Barcelona Verónica Asensio, has won the third prize in the category of best educational story in the prestigious International Latino Book Awards. These awards recognize the best books published in English, Spanish or Portuguese by Latin authors, in four categories: fiction, non-fiction, children’s and poetry.
Asensio’s tale, published by the publishing house Caligrama and recommended for readers between 6 and 10 years old, narrates the great adventure that the pirate Mari and her friends live in the Pacific, in an odyssey in which they must go overcoming obstacles, dangers and challenges. The work contains a didactic section to work on reading through games, riddles, mathematical problems and songs, among others.
Asensio acknowledges that the award “was an incredible surprise”. “I didn’t expect it,” he admits. “Since I was little, I’ve loved making up stories and writing stories. In 2019 I set out to publish my first book. Currently my heart is divided between musical research, the writing of scientific texts and the writing of children’s and youth stories. I am passionate about the creative side, letting the imagination run wild is a necessity”, explains this UB professor.
About the story, she explains that she sees herself reflected in it: “It is a very personal story, inspired by childhood experiences and dedicated to a very important person. I have a desire that my stories help promote the imagination of the little ones. Dreaming is very important for development as people.’
Over the past 24 years, the International Latino Book Awards have honored 3,470 authors.
